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UBS Consumption Indicator rises again

Zurich / Basel27 Mar 2007, 10:00Media Releases Switzerland

The UBS Consumption Indicator continued its upward trend in April. At 2.35 points, it reached its highest level since July 2001, indicating that consumer spending continues to grow at a solid pace in Switzerland. In fact, consumption may even have accelerated since the beginning of the year.

The monthly UBS Consumption Indicator reached 2.35 in April, up from a revised 2.09 in March and 2.01 in February. It has now exceeded its long-term average of 1.49 for 14 months in a row.

The UBS Consumption Indicator is calculated from five sub-indicators: new car sales, activity in the retail sector, the number of overnight hotel stays by Swiss nationals in Switzerland, the consumer sentiment index and credit card transactions made via UBS at points of sale in Switzerland. All sub-indicators contributed to April's strong rise, especially the exceptionally brisk business in the retail sector and positive consumer sentiment, which hit a six-year high in April. New car sales also had a positive impact, up 4.3% year-over-year in April, as did the monthly figures relating to overnight stays by Swiss nationals in Switzerland.

With a lead of approximately three months on official figures, the UBS Consumption Indicator points towards very lively Swiss private consumption, which may even have accelerated since the beginning of the year. The outlook remains promising, with improved employment and income prospects likely to support consumer spending in the coming months. Overall, UBS expects real private consumption growth of 2.1% in 2007, following an increase of 1.9% in 2006.

Calculation of the UBS Consumption Indicator:

The UBS Consumption Indicator signals private consumption trends in Switzerland with a lead of about three months on the official figures. At 61%, private consumption is by far the most important component of Swiss GDP. UBS calculates this leading indicator from five consumer-related parameters: new car sales, the business situation in the retail trade, the number of overnight hotel stays by Swiss nationals in Switzerland, the consumer sentiment index and credit card transactions made via UBS at points of sale in Switzerland. With the exception of the consumer sentiment index, all of these data are available monthly.